The Gender Sensitivity of Political Parties in Indonesia and Asean Women Politicians Network in Realizing Community Development Programs

Women are assumed to have more sensitivity on gender issues than men. It means that women are assumed to have more sensitivity to fight genders for their interests. However, the limited participation of women in politics is becoming a crucial issue since the political parties have not given serious attention to women resulting unfulfilling in the quotas of women in parliament. In addition to that, the limited number of politicians possessing gender sensitivity is still a bitter reality throughout the world. Based on previous researches, some of the prominent reasons underlying this issue are the low quantity and quality of women politicians, the lack of support from political party leaders, and patriarchy culture within the society. Currently in Indonesia, some female politicians have been able to take part as legislators or head of the region (executive), but the numbers are still limited. The network of women politicians throughout ASEAN has not shown any encouraging results. Women politicians are able to realise community development programs in their respective regions, and together with ASEAN women, politicians build the welfare of the people especially regarding with the issue of women and family interests.